FrightWorks builds its own sets within its five "fright zones." There's also a small make-up department that is separate from costumes, which is handled by just one person. Staff members also have to understand electronics for the various special effects included in the attraction.

Preparing for the haunt

His first job is to make sure nothing is broken, including props and set pieces.

FrightWorks has a fairly elaborate set strategically designed for maximum screams.

Plexiglas, fog machines and laser lights are used for optical illusions. There are false walls that act as secret passageways, mats that trigger animatronics when stepped on and liquid scents put into machines to further set the scene.

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Containers holding spare parts in the production area of FrightWorks haunted house in Powell.(Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )

Actors arrive around 4 p.m. and go to the makeup department. Makeup artists spend about 10 minutes on each performer.

Some of the actors require a simple bloody design on their face. Others have elaborate prosthetics.

Roughly 90 percent of the actors portray the same characters each night. However, Payne sometimes needs to make last-minute changes.

"If you have a guy that's 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and someone small that both want to work a chainsaw, you have to see who will be the bigger chainsaw maniac," Payne said. "Sometimes, it can take around three hours to place people in a scene."

Ready ... action!

All of the rooms within FrightWorks are connected to a long hallway that allows actors to move from scene to scene. It also allows them to easily exit for a bathroom break or for a manager to bring them items like water and cough drops, Payne said.

Because the set is so dark, Payne is able to sit and watch from a loft above the rooms without being seen.

Payne can hand actors items from the loft and direct them between groups.

"I'll sneak around from where performers and guests can't see me and let them know how to do scenes differently," he said. "I run a circle through the attraction constantly. waiting to see how groups are reacting differently. ... We teach performers to never break character."

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FrightWorks' Dustin Payne goes through the curtains of the vortex hallway in the haunted house in Powell.(Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )

They are even expected to stay in character when escorting guests away from the attraction when they get too scared.

The actors have a variety of techniques used to scare people.

Actor Bailey Skinner said being loud and repeating statements is key for her insane asylum character. While characters can't grab guests, it's good to get close and occasionally brush against them, she said.

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FrightWorks' Dustin Payne leads the News Sentinel down a hallway in the haunted house on Oct. 19.(Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )

"Each scene is different from the last," Payne said. "Some of our scenes are set up so actors have to rely on another person to make a scare. You have to be a decoy. You also have to make sure you can see your group without them seeing you when they first come in."

Getting an early look at the group allows you to see their body language and judge how you will scare each person.

"There are usually a couple aggressive (guests) throughout the season — younger folks who are excited and showing off for their girlfriend or their friend," Payne said. "We teach performers to go for your scare and, if they react in a way that's aggressive, you do what you need to do for your scare and make sure everyone else enjoys it."

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FrightWorks' Dustin Payne shows a perch above the haunted house where he can watch actors in different rooms and give suggestions.(Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )

Actors and managers have radios on them at all times. FrightWorks has developed a color-code system to easily notify managers if medical help, a bathroom break or the sheriff's office is needed.

Want to go?

FirghtWorks is open select nights through Halloween day. Regular tickets are $23, and fast pass tickets are $34. Season passes also are available.

Parking is free at the attraction, located at 1904 W. Emory Road in Powell. For more information, visit frightworks.com.

Reach Ryan Wilusz at Ryan.Wilusz@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6321 and on Twitter @Ryan_Wilusz or Instagram @KnoxScruff.